Biometric notification system

ABSTRACT

A biometric notification system compares images or indicia of images and where there is a match provides a notification of the same.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/177,103 filed Jul. 21, 2008 and titled MANAGED BIOMETRIC-BASEDNOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD which is incorporated herein in itsentirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a notification system. More particularly, theinvention relates to systems and methods of managed biometric-basednotification.

Discussion of the Related Art

Retail crime, shoplifting, and fraud are increasing in the UnitedStates. This increase brings a rising incidence of violence. In 2006, itwas reported that the value of property lost in such cases, excludingshoplifting, was $18 billion. Shoplifting resulted in a $40 billion lossthat same year, totaling $58 billion in 2006. Some suggest that part ofthe problem has been the “professionalism” of retail theft, whichconnotes well organized individuals or gangs stealing large quantitiesof merchandise. Many surveillance systems are currently being used tocombat such crime, but the most effective systems are those whichutilize biometric components.

Biometrics is the study of methods for characterizing and recognizing anindividual based upon physical and behavioral traits, or in other words,a system which uses measurable biological properties to identifyindividuals. Physical traits are those related to the characteristics ofthe human body, e.g. fingerprints, iris geometry, and face recognition.Behavioral traits are those linked to a signature, voice or keystroke.It is because biometrics measures qualities that an individual cannotchange, that it is most effective for authentication and identificationpurposes.

Biometrics are an increasingly important part of the tool set used tosecuring a wide range of retail stores, facilities, areas, information,and environments. Use of biometric-based identification systemsincreases because such systems can provide substantially more securitythan many traditional security systems (e.g., usernames, passwords orpersonal identification numbers). Face recognition technologies can beused, for example, to determine whether an individual is permitted entryinto a home, office, or similar environment, or to determine if anindividual is wanted.

Generally, in what is known as “one-to-many match,” and prior to abiometric feature extraction process, an analog or digitalrepresentation of biometric characteristics are obtained from abiometric capture device. Many conventional systems rely on digitalimaging technologies to capture data, which can include optics, acamera, or other electronic equipment. The digital representation of theimages (i.e., the raw or unprocessed image data) is then processed by analgorithm that converts the image data into a particular representation(i.e., a biometric marker or template).

Biometric features are information processed or extracted from abiometric sample or samples, which can then be used for comparison witha stored biometric reference. From the recognition sample, the biometricfeature extraction creates a template which is compared with one ormultiple biometric templates from a database. Due to the statisticalnature of biometric samples, there is generally no exact match possible.For that reason, the decision process will only assign the biometricdata subject to a biometric template and confirm recognition if thecomparison score exceeds an adjustable threshold. Face recognition worksby using a computer to analyze an individual's facial structure. Thebiometric software takes a number of points and measurements, includingthe distances between characteristics such as eyes, nose and mouth. Thismay also include angles of certain features such as the jaw andforehead, and lengths of various portions of the face.

Research today focuses on developing software or algorithms forbiometric identification. The developing algorithms aim to reduce aknown problem in the art, namely, the high numbers of false positivesand negatives, which are called the False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and theFalse Recognition Rate (FRR), considered Type I and Type II errors instatistical models. The technologies involved in biometricidentification include Segmentation, Decomposition Methods, namely,Eigenface, Local Feature Analysis (LFA), and Independent ComponentAnalysis (ICA), and also include Support Vector Machines, Elastic BunchGrapes, Implicit 3-D models and methods.

While more accurate and precise algorithms are essential to theidentification of an individual, the implementation of current systemsgenerally result in an inability to properly disseminate information.Furthermore, current systems are deficient in their implementation in areal-time environment using current technology network components. Thisdeficiency stems from a lack of control over the environment, userintegration and management over the system network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described by way of example with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a managed biometric-based notificationsystem.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of at least one image acquiring system of themanaged biometric-based notification system, adapted to capture a firstcontent.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the managed biometric-based notificationsystem including at least one image acquiring system, a comparisonmodule, and a notification component.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the managed biometric-based notificationsystem including the comparison module, a content management module, andthe at least one notification component including at least onetransmitted data point.

FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the content management module.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of at least one pre-selected receiving node.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the at least onepre-selected receiving node.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the managedbiometric-based notification system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the managedbiometric-based notification system.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the managed biometric-based notificationsystem including an image server.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the managed biometric-based notificationsystem including a web server.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a process of the comparison module.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the managedbiometric-based notification system.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a process of the at least one image acquiringsystem and comparison module.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram an embodiment of the managed biometric-basednotification system providing access to a third-party database.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a process of enrollment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of including an associated data to theprocess of enrollment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the content management module activatingan event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A managed biometric-based notification system 100 is provided. What isdisclosed herein can include, among other things, a user interactivefeedback system which is over a communication medium such as theInternet. The techniques described below include a computer softwareapplication which, when executed on the computer system of an user,configures that computer system so that the user can receive and provideinformation to other selected users or groups of users based on theresult of a content comparison.

As used herein, the Internet refers at least to the worldwide collectionof networks and gateways that use the transmission controlprotocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate. The World Wide Web(WWW) refers to the total set of inter-linked hypertext documentsresiding on hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) servers, wherein webservers can be any type of web server, e.g. APACHE. As used herein, theWWW also refers at least to documents accessed on secure servers, suchas HTTP servers (HTTPS), which provide for encryption and transmissionthrough a secure port. As used herein, the term “web site” refers atleast to one or more related HTML documents and associated files,scripts, and databases that can be presented by an HTTP or HTTPS serveron the WWW. The term “web browser” refers at least to software that letsa user view HTML documents and access files and software related tothose documents.

It should be appreciated that any one or more elements of the systemillustrated in the following embodiments can be located remotely fromany or all of the other elements, and that any of the elements of agiven embodiment can, in fact, be part of another system altogether.Furthermore, it should be understood that, for the followingembodiments, although they are described in connection with the managedbiometric based identification system 100, many aspects of the inventionare usable with other biometric technologies, including but not limitedto fingerprint recognition systems, iris recognition systems, handgeometry systems, and signature recognition systems. At least someembodiments of the invention are especially advantageous for biometricapplications that utilize information captured from an image.

FIG. 1 illustrates the managed biometric-based notification system 100.The managed biometric-based notification system 100 includes at leastone image acquiring system 105 which is adapted to capture a firstcontent 110, a comparison module 140 for comparing and distributingcontent within the system 100, a content management module 180 forcontrolling and managing the system 100, and at least one pre-selectedreceiving node 220.

FIG. 2 illustrates the at least one image acquiring system 105 in moredetail. The at least one image acquiring system 105 includes a lens 120,a processing unit 125, a digital sensor chip 130, a memory 135, and isadapted to capture the first content 110. The first content 110 iscaptured the by the at least one image acquiring system 105 andtransmitted to the comparison module 140 of the managed biometric-basednotification system 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates the comparison module 140 in more detail, and anotification component 170. The comparison module 140 is configured toreceive the first content 110, and includes at least one processor 145,at least one database 150, at least one search engine 160, and anassociated memory 165. The at least one search engine 160 is operativelycoupled with the at least one image acquiring system 105 and the atleast one database 150. The at least one processor 145 is operativelycoupled with the at least one image acquiring system 105 and the atleast one search engine 160, wherein the notification component 170 isgenerated provided a statistical threshold is satisfied between comparedcontent.

FIG. 4 illustrates the comparison module 140, the content managementmodule 180, the notification component 170, and at least one transmitteddata point 175. The notification component 170 is transmitted by thecomparison module 140 after the first content 110, and a second content155, located in at least one database 150 are compared. The contentmanagement module 180 is configured to manage and control thedistribution of the notification component 170 including the at leastone transmitted data point 175, to the user or users of the system 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates the content management module 180 in detail. Thecontent management module 180 provides the means for managing andcontrolling the managed biometric-based notification system 100functioning by interacting with the comparison module 140. In providingthe necessary functionality to the user of the system 100, the contentmanagement module 180 includes a case module (“CM”) 185, a notificationmodule (“NM”) 190, a database browsing and reporting module (“DBRM”)195, a subscription content module (“SCM”) 200, a support module (“SM”)205, and an account management module 210 (“AMM”).

The content management module 180 serves as a graphical user interface(GUI), and provides the user interaction, feedback functionality, andthe ability to control and manage the managed biometric-basednotification system 100. In an embodiment, the content management module180 is accessed through a network via a web portal. The contentmanagement module 180 is embodied in a computer-readable executableprogram comprising computer executable instructions stored on computerreadable media, and is usable with a general purpose computer system. Inanother embodiment, the content management module 180 is embodied in atransmission medium, such as one or more carrier wave signalstransmitted between computers and a server, on a wireless network.

The CM 185 is a module configured to allow the user to manage and createcontent and information for the managed biometric-based notificationsystem 100. The CM 185 provides the ability to create case informationand associated case identification numbers (“CIN”), and also provide theuser the ability to modify case information. The user is able to createcases by “enrollment” of the first content 110 captured from the atleast one image acquiring system 105. Enrollment is a process ofcollecting biometric data from an individual and subsequently storingthe data in a reference template representing the individual's identity.The procedure is crucial where the user is familiar with an individualwho is not otherwise recognized by the system 100. The created contentis then stored in the at least one database 150 of the comparison module140.

CM 185 provides the ability to also update the second content 155 withthe first content 110, provided the threshold or substantial similarityrequirement is met. This feature is essential where the managedbiometric-based notification system 100 has outdated information andcurrent information is available from the environment. The CM 185 isalso configured to allow the user to group case information based onspecific criteria. For example, a “case group” can be labeled“shoplifters,” very important persons,” or “persons with records.”Generally, the case group can be defined as any group whereidentification is important to the surrounding environment.

The CM 185 also manages stored content. The CM 185 generally containsall the functionality of an arrangement module within a database. Thefunctionality contains fields, which can also be used to search storedcontent (see DBRM 195), use menus, and tab functionality for arranginginformation. The contained fields can include name, date of birth, sex,offense list, history, observations, transactions, and interactions inthe environment. However, more fields can be added that may be specificto an individual or the environment, in order to better define thecontent and enhance search capabilities (see DBRM 195).

The NM 190 is a module configured to provide the user the means fornotifying at least one user of the biometric-based notification system100. The NM 190, in conjunction with the comparison module 140, allowsthe user to select different methods of interacting with the users ofthe system 100. The notification component 170 can be transmitted basedon user preferences or pre-selected input into the NM 190 of user(s) oruser group(s) in which to receive the information. The user(s) or usergroup(s) defined in the NM 190 can be attached to single or multiplecase groups (configured by the CM 185). In an embodiment, the NM 190allows the user to determine which user(s) or user group(s) receive theat least one notification component(s) 170 and transmitted data point(s)175 based on time intervals, such as day, week, month and year.

The NM 190 also provides the user the ability to send a variety ofnotification components 170. In an embodiment, the notificationcomponent 170 can be transmitted from the comparison module 140, whichin an embodiment can include a notification server, based on differentpreferences or methods of delivery, e.g. SMS, MMS, Email, InstantMessaging, Voicemail, and the like. Furthermore, the NM 190 also allowsthe user to select several different types of content within the atleast one database 150 in which to be transmitted with the notificationcomponent 170.

In an embodiment, the user is also able to control the threshold inwhich the first and second content, 110 and 155, respectively, arecompared. However, this function can also be implemented within the AMM210. In an embodiment, the user is able to send a non-thresholdcomparison to an operator or automated operator module e.g.administrative authority, to determine substantial similarity, as aprimary or secondary measure in validating the comparison. This functioncan be utilized in cases where an “unconfirmed” or non-thresholdcomparison or comparisons result.

Numerous scenarios can be detailed in which specific information istransmitted to appropriate users at pre-selected times and methods, whoare selected to handle that type of information, or have requestedspecific information to be transmitted, based on a variety of factorsspecific to those individuals, as such, examples above are not designedto be limiting in any way.

The DBRM 195 is a module configured to provide the user the ability todevelop reports and search the at least one database 150 within themanaged biometric-based notification system 100. The at least onedatabase 150 is searchable by any case information filed within thesystem 100 through the fields created in the CM 185. The information caninclude records, notes, observations, details, and other informationwhich can apprise the user(s) as to the status or propensities of anindividual in an environment. The user is able to access and view cases,generate reports, which include, but are not limited to, match,enrollment and notification logs, as well as other internal statistics.The DBRM 195 also provides the ability to export these logs and reportsin any general format.

The SCM 200 is a module configured to provide the user the ability tosubscribe, manage, and browse current and available databasesubscriptions. This module increases the referenced content, or secondcontent 155, within the managed biometric-based notification system 100.The system 100 also centralizes available databases and providessubscription information to the user, such as a description of theavailable database(s), associated pricing for each database, and areference to the overall content. The SCM 200 also provides the user theability to share databases, or form “Alliances,” with other subscriberswithin the system 100. However, this functionality, in an embodiment,can be included in the CM 185. The functionality of this module alsoprovides for the ability to request the authority who implements thesystem 100, to data mine other databases. The process of data mining,includes the ability to process data from other third party databases,and will create a database or databases based on processed or extractedfeature sets from facial images and other information found within thosedatabases.

The SM 205 is a module configured to provide customer interaction andsupport to the user of the content management module 180 with themanaged biometric-based notification system 100 administrator, orauthority, who implements the system 100. The SM 205 provides aninteractive program configured to aid the user in resolving issues withthe system 100. The issues presented within the SM 205 can also betracked and managed. The SM 205 includes a frequently asked questionsapplication providing answers to commonly filed questions, and alsoincludes other methods of support including live help and chat programs.

The AMM 210 is a module configured to provide the administrator orauthority who implements the managed biometric-based notification system100, an interface to manage user accounts, access, and data within thesystem 100. Through the AMM 210, is the ability to set up preferences,as well as rights to and within the system 100, including adding,deleting, modifying access for other users and sub-users of the CM 185.The AMM 210 is also configured to add, edit, and remove the at least oneimage acquiring system 105, the at least one pre-selected receiving node220, as well as other components associated with the system 100. Thisfeature is particularly important where more components are added due toan increase in employees and/or areas in which to implement at least oneimage capturing device 105.

In an embodiment, the AMM 210 can be implemented with the comparisonmodule 140 by a single authority, having control over multipleimplemented managed biometric based notification systems 100. In thisembodiment, remaining modules of the content management system 180 canbe implemented into an environment or be provided to the user through aweb portal. In this embodiment, the users of the system 100 are able tointeract with the comparison module 140 through the modules describedherein. This functionality allows for control of implemented systems 100within plural environments and interaction between one or plural ones ofthose environments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the at least one pre-selected receiving node 220. Inan embodiment, the node is a terminal, which can be a plurality, with amotherboard on a computer network, including a central processor 230,associated memory 240 (e.g., DRAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SRAM, SDRAM, andFlash RAM) for storing programs and or data, an input/output controller250, optional special purpose logic devices (e.g., ASICs) orconfigurable logic devices (e.g., GAL and reprogrammable FPGA, a networkinterface 260, a display device 280, one or more input devices 290, ahard disk drive 300, a floppy disk drive 310, and a data bus 270 (e.g.,a SCSI bus, an Enhanced IDE bus, or a Ultra DMA bus) coupling thesecomponents, allowing communication therein.

The central processor 230 can be any type of microprocessor. The displaydevice 280 can be any type of display, such as a liquid crystal display(LCD), cathode ray tube display (CRT), or light emitting diode (LED),capable of displaying the generated outputs. The input device 290 can beany type-of device capable of providing the inputs described herein,such as keyboards, numeric keypads, touch screens, pointing devices,switches, styluses, and light pens.

The network interface 260 can be any type of a device, card, adapter, orconnector that provides the at least one pre-selected receiving node 220with network access to a computer or other networked enabled device. Inone embodiment, the network interface 260 enables the at least onepre-selected receiving node 220 to connect to a computer network such asthe Internet. The content management module 180, in an embodiment, isloaded into the pre-selected receiving node 220 via the hard disk drive300, the floppy disk drive 310, or the network interface 260, wherein inanother embodiment, is included within the comparison module 140.Alternatively, the program can reside in a permanent memory portion(e.g., a read-only-memory (ROM)) chip) of the main memory 240.

The at least one pre-selected receiving node 220 can be implemented onat least one of client and server. A “client” can be broadly construedto mean one who requests or receives a file, and “server” can be broadlyconstrued to be the entity that sends or forwards the file. In anembodiment, the at least one pre-selected receiving node 220 operates ina networked environment using a communication connection to connect toone or more remote computers. The remote computer can include a personalcomputer, server, router, network PC, a peer device, or other commonnetwork node. The communication connection can include a Local AreaNetwork (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or other networks.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the at least one pre-selectedreceiving node 220. In an embodiment, the at least one pre-selectedreceiving node 220 is a transceiver or other similar means for receivingthe at least one notification component 170. The receiving means caninclude, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a personal digitalassistant (PDA) or other similar handheld portable device. Further, inthis embodiment the at least one pre-selected receiving node 220 canfunction as at least one image acquiring system 105, allowing the usermeans to capture the first content 110 and receive the notificationcomponent 170 and the at least one transmitted data point 175. The useof the transceiver supplies mobility and versatility to the user in theenvironment. The transceiver can be networked to other devices, such asin a client-server or peer to peer system, allowing the user to receiveand send information to another transceiver in the environment.

In use, upon implementation of the managed biometric-based notificationsystem 100 into an environment, the first content 110 is captured by theat least one image acquiring system 105. In an embodiment, the firstcontent 110 is an image of a person, wherein the image substantiallyincludes the facial region. In another embodiment, the first content 110is an electronic translation of handwritten or printed images intomachine text or optical character recognition (OCR), wherein the use ofmachine vision cameras or digital video cameras and computers is used toread and analyze alphanumeric characters. However, the first content 110can generally be any type of information important to the environment,and while only certain types of information is recognized by thecomparison module 140, the remainder of the information can becategorized, stored, and retrieved upon request by the user in the samemanner as compared content.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in one embodiment, the at least one image acquiringsystem 105 disposed in a commercial environment 320. In this embodiment,commercial establishments are able to implement the managedbiometric-based notification system 100 to reduce the amount of“shrinkage” or other crimes occurring in the commercial environment 320.Illustrated in FIG. 9, in another embodiment, stores within the samecommunity or stores within the same chain, who are subscribers to thesystem 100, are able to share at least one central database 325. Theillustrated configuration will allow the sharing of information, viaconfiguring the content management module 180, pertinent to a certainstore or stores, placing other “Alliances” on notice of a specificactivity or person specific to the chain of stores or community.

In an embodiment, the at least one image acquiring system 105 includes amachine vision camera. Machine cameras incorporate frames rates ofeither 15 fps (SXGA) or 34 fps (VGA), and include camera features suchas a standard processor, operating system, SD RAM and I/O connectivityvia Ethernet, USB serial port and monitor out. Components of a machinevision system will comprise several of the following: at least onedigital or analog camera with optics for acquiring images. An interfacefor digitizing images (widely known, in the case of CCTV cameras, as a“frame grabber”). A processor (often a PC or embedded processor, such asa DSP) (in some cases, all of the above are combined within a singledevice, called a smart camera). Input/Output hardware (e.g. digital I/O)or communication links (e.g. network connection) to report results.Lenses to focus the desired field of view onto the image sensor. Aprogram to process images and detect relevant features. In anembodiment, the machine vision camera includes a synchronizing sensorfor detection (often an optical or magnetic sensor) to trigger imageacquisition and processing. It can be understood by those skilled in theart that many available digital video and digital cameras can be used inconjunction with the managed biometric-based notification system 100 asa means for acquiring images, as such, the examples are not limiting inany way.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the at least one imageacquiring system 105, due to the large amounts of collected data, whichcan be uncompressed video, includes at least one server 385 on site tohandle the large quantities of data collection. In this embodiment, theat least one image acquiring system 105 transmits the first content 110to an image server 385, wherein the image server 385 would store thefirst content 110 and transmit to the comparison module 140 aftercomparison of the first and second content, 110 and 155, respectively,yields threshold level similarity (process illustrated in FIG. 14). Inanother embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the at least one imageacquiring system 105 transmits the first content 110 to a web server 390of the comparison module 140. This configuration allows elements of thesystem 100 to be in various locations connected to a network.

After capturing the first content 110 from an environment, or otherwisecalled a “tracking environment,” the first content 110 is thentransmitted to the comparison module 140. This step is generally called“Image Acquisition.” Image Acquisition refers to how a computer getsimage data from a camera into the computer. In an embodiment, the atleast one image acquiring system 105 transmits uncompressed video to thecomparison module 140. In another embodiment, the at least one imageacquiring system 105 is on a network.

FIG. 12 illustrates the process of the comparison module 140. Thecomparison module 140 is configured to generate a set of descriptors orthe feature set 110 a from the received first content 110. Thecomparison module 140 includes the at least one search engine 160,operatively coupled with the at least one image acquiring system 105 andthe at least one database 150. The at least one search engine 160 isprogrammed to execute a series of instructions, stored on the memory165, to process a feature set 110 a of the first content 110 and asubstantially similar feature set 155 a of the second content 155.

If the feature sets 110 a and 155 a meet a predetermined threshold, thecomparison module 140 determines the comparison to be a match. Thenotification component 170 is then transmitted, and in an embodiment caninclude the notification server operatively coupled to the comparisonmodule 140. In another embodiment, the notification component 170 canalso be transmitted if a comparison does not result in a match. Asstated previously, the operator can be employed at this juncture todetermining substantial similarity. However, regardless of whether amatch occurs, the content is stored within the at least one database150. The notification component 170 can be comprised of any variety ofnotification made available by the NM 190, delivered at any preferencepresented by the same module. Furthermore, the at least one transmitteddata point 175 is also transmitted along with the notification component170, and its form and timing are determined by the same.

Illustrated in FIG. 13, and in connection with FIGS. 10 and 11, is anembodiment of the managed biometric-based notification system 100. Inthis embodiment, the comparison module 140 receives the feature set 110a of the first content 110. However, the first content 110 remainsstored on the image server 385 or web server 390, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11. In an embodiment, an extraction process is implementedwithin the local environment 320 at the at least one image acquiringsystem 105. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the processor125 of the at least one image acquiring system is programmed to executea series of instructions, stored on the memory 135, to process thefeature set 110 a of the first content 110. Here, an algorithm orextraction module found in the comparison module 140 is implemented atthe at least one image acquiring system 105. The comparison module 140is then configured to compare the feature set 110 a with the processedfeature set 155 a of the second content 155, also illustrated in FIG.10. If the statistical threshold or substantial similarity is satisfiedthe first content 110 is transmitted to the comparison module 140 uponrequest.

In an embodiment, the comparison module 140 includes a facialrecognition algorithm designed to process the feature set 110 a of thefirst content 110 and a feature set 155 a of the second content 155. Inanother embodiment, a process algorithm, or modules therein, areimplemented within the commercial environment at the at least one imageacquiring system 105 and processes the feature set 110 a, and comprisethe comparison module 140. The series of instructions used by thecomparison module 140 can include the “FACE-IT” facial recognitionsystem from Identix® Inc. (Merged with L-1 Identity Solutions Company)or “FaceVACS”® from Cognitec Systems. Generally, the widely availabletechnology can identify individuals independent of variances in humanfaces, including mimicry and aging variances, as well as variancescoming from a new hair style, glasses, or lighting changes.

The algorithms involved in comparing content are implemented todetermine the statistical closeness of the data involved, as such,multiple algorithms can be implemented for the determination of facialidentification, as well as algorithms identifying other features of anindividual in the environment, e.g. textual, to further limit thestatistical closeness of an individual. It can be understood by thoseskilled in the art that many available algorithms can be used inconjunction with the managed biometric based notification system 100 forcomparison of content, as such, the examples are not limiting in anyway.

As indicated above, in comparing the first and second content, 110 and155, respectively, the comparison module 140 draws from the at least onedatabase 150. However, the comparison module 140 in conjunction with thecontent management module 180 provides access to a variety of differentcontent forms, databases and servers. As FIG. 15 illustrates, in anembodiment, the database content can be predetermined, in that, it isthe result of subscriptions to public or third party databases, e.g.government, law enforcement agencies, state databases, or databases theuser requests to data mine. In another embodiment, as indicated above,the second content 155 is predetermined by the local environment 320,which can be based off internal company records and documents. As such,database content can be built from generated content within the system100 through user input and feedback. The second content 155 can also begenerated from outside the system 100 environment.

Illustrated in FIG. 16 is the enrollment process through the CM 185. Inthis embodiment, the user is able to enroll an individual into themanaged biometric-based notification system 100. The system 100comprehends the creation or enrollment when the feature set 110 a isprocessed and stored in the at least one database 155. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the CM 185 provides the ability to the user, to uploadassociated data 110 a with the first content 110, e.g. notes oninteractions and/or observations related to the first content 110, asprovided by the utility in FIG. 6.

After the first content 110 and associated data 110 b are within the atleast one database 150, it becomes second content 155 and associateddata 155 b. In an embodiment, the comparison module 140 includesdatabases dedicated to the associated data 155 b, and in anotherembodiment, includes databases dedicated to each type of associated data155 b described herein. The second content 155 can then be manipulatedvia the content management module 180 by the user. The managedbiometric-based notification system 100 generally provides for theidentification of an individual already retained in the system 100 andimage retention for those individuals who are not within the system 100but are to be identified at a future date.

The degree in which the first and second content, 110 and 155,respectively, must match is deemed “substantial similarity.” This levelof similarity is a threshold or a predefined set of parameters set forthby the user of the managed biometric-based notification system 100.These parameters may be modified by users, and in an embodiment, userswho have been given authority within the system 100, such as thatdefined by AMM 210. The comparison module 140 determines the substantialsimilarity of the feature sets of 110 a and 155 a, and the notificationcomponent 170 and at least one transmitted data point 175 aretransmitted as determined by the content management module 180 if thatsimilarity threshold is met.

In an embodiment, if the comparison module 140 transmits a plurality ofsecond content 155 corresponding to varying degrees of similarity amongcompared feature sets or where the feature sets of 110 a and 155 a donot meet the predetermined threshold of the system 100, the operatordetermines substantial similarity. And as mentioned above, the operatorcan also be implemented as a primary or secondary measure in determiningsubstantial similarity.

After a comparison meets the predetermined threshold, the comparisonmodule 140 transmits the notification component 170 based onpre-selected criteria inputted into the content management module 180via the NM 190 by the user. The notification component 170 can becomprised of many different forms as set forth in the NM 190. Thenotification component 170 can be wirelessly communicated including butnot limited to utilizing short messaging service (SMS), multimediamessaging service (MMS), email, instant messaging or an Email to SMS,SMS to Email, MMS to Email, or Computer to SMS applications.

The at least one transmitted data point 175 is information transmittedalong with the notification component 170, and is comprised ofinformation which, in an embodiment, includes an image, e.g. thecomparison image of the comparison module 140 or any form of the secondcontent 155 described herein. In another embodiment, the at least onetransmitted data point 175 includes the associated data 155 b, or theassociated data 155 b along with the recently compared second content155. However, content can also be transmitted that describes theindividual's record or other persons that individual is known toassociate with, known accomplices, any other form mentioned herein.

Furthermore, in the criminal context, where a comparison of first andsecond content, 110 and 155, respectively, yields a substantiallysimilar threshold, the at least one notification component 170 is sentout detailing the identification of that criminal, and can includeassociated data 155 b, e.g. prior criminal history, bench warrant, stateprison, jail, conviction(s), arrest(s), charge(s), involved agencies,previous stolen items, treatment of staff, and gang affiliation. In anembodiment, the at least one transmitted data point 175 can includeaudio and/or textual information, e.g. instructions, guides, and/or usermanuals specific to a product in the environment, which can be recordedthrough the CM 185. However, the specifics of the at least onetransmitted data point 175 is dependent to large degree on the contentwhich is compared within the system 100. As such, general informationabout actions or events local to the commercial environment, or otherindividuals can also be transmitted. This feature can aid in providingcustomized service based on previous buying habits, amounts, andfrequently asked questions.

The notification component 170 serves more than one function in themanaged biometric-based notification system 100. In another embodiment,the notification component 170 can activate or initiate an event. Thecomparison module 140 transmits the notification component 170 as aninstruction signal to an actuator 330 which functions to perform anevent, e.g. motor, or activate in application another networked device.In activating a motorized event, a servomechanism can be connected whichsupplies and transmits a measured amount of energy for the operation ofanother mechanism or system. In an embodiment, functional interfaces caninteract with an SMS gateway to perform functions in the environment.However, the notification component 170 can take a variety of forms inactivating events, as and as such, the form is not limited by theprovided examples.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment, where a transducer or an actuatormodule 330 is included, which typically includes a clock 335, aprocessing unit 345, and a receiver 340, and is able to receive an inputsignal from the content management module 180 via the NM 190. Theactuator module 330 supplies as an output, a command via dry contact tocontrol a motor and the circuitry of a door e.g. gate controller or lockvia door strike or other similar device, in activating an event. In thisembodiment, control over the environment can occur via a controllerwhich can send an output command to a plurality of devices within anetwork. In another embodiment, a switch can be used to either turn onor off a device. In this embodiment, a binary command can be sent over anetwork to an interface, or remotely connect, to receivers controllingother devices and/or software in the environment.

Generally, the purpose of the at least one notification component 170 isto activate an event and/or notify the user of an individual. However,it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the notificationof an individual or activation of an event can take a variety of formsand activate a variety and plurality of users and devices, depending onthe context, as such, the examples are not limiting in any way.

In an embodiment, wherein the at least one notification component 170 isthen sent to a pre-selected receiving node 220, the receipt of the atleast one notification component 170 can occur on a stationary terminaland/or transceiver or other mobile device. In an embodiment, thepre-selected receiving node 220 is a plurality of transceivers. Theplurality of transceivers can transmit to other transceivers and/orretransmit information to other transceivers within the environment. Inthis embodiment, employees within a commercial environment 320 are ableto communicate and also send image data and enroll content in thecontent management module 180. In another embodiment, the transceivercan also serve as a “local” remote control, operating by sending awireless (e.g. infra-red or radio frequency) signal to a transceiverwhich is connected to a motor or application via another pre-selectedreceiving node 220 and a receiver. This embodiment provides the user ofthe system 100 another level of control in the environment.

The managed biometric-based notification system 100 provides the abilityto control and manage information gathered in a real-time environment,and can interact with that environment with up to date information froma variety of external sources. The system 100 provides the user with aninteractive system component which includes the ability to transmitinformation to available resources using a variety of technologies andprovide real-time feedback in a dynamic environment.

An advantage of the managed biometric-based notification system 100 isthe content management module 180 element of the system 100. The contentmanagement module 180 controls the distribution of content into anenvironment in which identification of information is crucial. Thecontent management module 180 allows the user to interact with thereminder of the system 100 through, in an embodiment, a browser-basedinterface. The user is also provided control over received, stored, andcompared content within the system 100.

Specifically, an advantage of the managed biometric-based notificationsystem 100 is the ability to manage the transmission of the at least onenotification component 170. The content management module 180 allows theuser the ability to manage events in the environment, such as theactivation of applications or actuators linked to other devices, andalso users and user groups in receiving information. This advantageintersects the resources in the environment with the result of theimplemented algorithm in a real-time scenario.

The system 100 also provides the user with the ability to manage thetype of notification, e.g. the mode of transmission. The time oftransmission is can also managed. Here, the notification component 170can be directed based a variety of predetermined factors e.g. time anddate intervals. While the transmission of at least one notificationcomponent 170 containing at least one data point 175 of an individualwho is known for shoplifting can be transmitted to the availablesecurity guards, there are many more uses directed to the system 100,such as, the purchase history of an individual transmitted to a salesassociate or a person who is known to have a heart condition to someoneon staff who understands Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

The application also can be used in allowing specialized or certainpersons into a variety of areas in the environment. As such, it can beunderstood by those skilled in the art that many situations are possiblein an environment requiring information specific for that situation,which can be used in conjunction with the managed biometric-basednotification system 100, therefore the above examples are not designedto be limiting in anyway.

Another advantage supplied by the content management module 180 is theability to allow the user the option of creating a variety of databasesand content within the managed biometric-based notification system 100.The content management module 180 includes the ability to createdatabases by subscription, data mining or create content from the localenvironment 320. This option allows the user of the system 100 controlover the organization of the content.

The creation of content within the managed biometric-based notificationsystem 100 can also include a variety additional data referencingcreated content. As such, an additional advantage of the system 100 isthe ability to include associated data e.g. including images, notes,within the system 100. The associated data can be uploaded by a varietyof methods identical or equivalent to the at least one notificationcomponent 170. Furthermore, another advantage of the system 100 is theability to modify the stored content. Towards this end, the contentmanagement module 180 provides security measures via the AMM 210, forthose who modify content within the system 100. Updated informationabout an individual is important where an individual has had certainhostile interactions with staff, maybe increasing in hostility, or isknown to carry a weapon, or has previously targeted a specific area ofthe store. Thus, if given authority, modification of content is crucialto maintaining an updated system 100.

Another advantage of the managed biometric-based notification system 100is the at least one pre-selected receiving node 220. In an embodiment,the at least one preselected receiving node is a transceiver. Thetransceiver provides the user the ability, not only to communicatecrucial information to the next user or staff member in the environment,and provide mobility, but also activate applications or events based onthat information. This places an added level of control to those withinthe environment. Moreover, while the transceiver is able to communicateto another transceiver in the environment, the transceiver is also ableto communicate an image to the comparison module 140 and receive the atleast one notification component 170 based on the content transmitted.

The managed biometric-based notification system 100 can be used in avariety of environments. The system 100 can be implemented in thecommercial environment 320, in perimeter surveillance, automated entry,customer recognition or preauthorized visitor identification. In aretail environment, the system 100 will reduce operational costs andincrease the efficiency of the staff.

After being placed in strategic locations, the managed biometric-basednotification system 100 will also reduce shrinkage. The system 100accomplishes this result by increasing the probability in matching anindividual with a comprehensive image in a database. The system 100 isconstantly being updated and connected with content, coming from avariety of sources, e.g. the environment in which it is placed, thirdparty databases, watch-lists, requested data mined sites. As such,retrieved information is being compared against current data from avariety of sources, increasing the probability of a match.

The managed biometric-based notification system 100 is designed to beemployed in a plurality of locations and including a central station orheadquarters. As such, first content 110 acquired from the plurality oflocations networked to the system 100 generally would be transmitted tothe central station wherein the comparison module 140 would start theprocess illustrated in FIG. 10, however, an advantage of the system 100is the implementation of the process within the at least one imageacquiring system 105 as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

The advantage of processing the feature set 110 a at the at least oneimage acquiring system 105 is that it allows for only the feature set110 a to be transmitted for comparison. If the comparison achieves thedesired threshold of the system 100, the comparison module 140 requeststhe first content 100 from the at least one image acquiring system 105.This is particularly important where a large number of users of thesystem 100 are networked. This advantage reduces the amount of datatransmitted over a network, and thus reduces the amount of strain on theavailable bandwidth.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative and not restrictive of the current invention, andthat this invention is not restricted to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described since modification can occur to thoseordinarily skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A managed biometric-based notification system forrecognizing a person and for selectively notifying one or more users ofthe system, the system comprising: an image acquiring system forcapturing from a live human being a first content comprising a featureset; a special purpose computer including a database, a case module, asubscription content module, a search engine, a comparison module, and anotification module; the database including second content that includesa feature set associated with a personal identifier; plural receivingnodes, each receiving node associated with at least one personalidentifier that is unique among the receiving nodes; the case module forupdating the second content stored in the database with the firstcontent acquired by the image acquiring system; the subscription contentmodule for updating the second content stored in the database byutilizing data from a third party when a third party subscription allowsthe comparison module to compare the feature set of the first contentand a feature set of the third party data; upon acquisition of thecontent, the search engine for searching the database for second contentfeature sets corresponding at least in part to the first feature set;upon finding one or more corresponding second content feature sets, thecomparison module for determining the degree of similarity of eachcorresponding feature set and selecting at least one correspondingfeature set as a best match; and, the notification module fordetermining a notification component including the personal identifierof the best match and selecting the receiving node associated with thepersonal identifier of the best match; wherein the notification moduleis configured to transmit the notification component to the selectedreceiving node when the best match meets a pre-selected similaritythreshold.
 2. A managed biometric-based notification system (“MBNS”) forrecognizing a person and for selectively notifying one or more users ofthe system, the system comprising: an image acquiring system forcapturing from a live human being a first content comprising a featureset; a special purpose computer including a database, a case module, asubscription content module, a search engine, a comparison module, and anotification module; the database including second content that includesa feature set associated with a personal identifier; plural receivingnodes in plural locations; the case module for updating the secondcontent stored in the database with the first content acquired by theimage acquiring system; the subscription content module for updating thesecond content stored in the database by utilizing data from a thirdparty; upon acquisition of the content, the search engine for searchingthe database for second content feature sets corresponding at least inpart to the first feature set; upon finding one or more correspondingsecond content feature sets, the comparison module for determining thedegree of similarity of each corresponding feature set and selecting atleast one corresponding feature set as a best match; and, thenotification module for determining a notification component includingthe personal identifier of the best match and selecting a receiving nodeassociated with the personal identifier of the best match; wherein thenotification module is configured to transmit the notification componentto the selected receiving node when the best match meets a pre-selectedsimilarity threshold.
 3. The MBNS of claim 2 wherein each receiving nodeis associated with at least one personal identifier that is unique amongthe receiving nodes.
 4. The MBNS of claim 3 wherein a third partysubscription allows the comparison module to compare the feature set ofthe first content and a feature set of the third party data.